Nikon has launched the 1 V2 - a more enthusiast-focused 1-series camera built around a 14MP sensor. The V2 adds a built-in flash and mode dial and more extensive front grip. It can shoot at up to 15 frames per second in combination with its hybrid AF system. It also has a configurable 'F' button to give faster access to key camera settings. The V2 uses a processor that lives up to the latest Expeed 3A billing. It also retains the V1's original list price of $899 with 10-30mm kit zoom. Nikon has also announced an accessory SB-N7 bounce-able Speedlight for the 1 System. The V2 will be available from late November, with the SB-N7 following in January 2013.

The camera's Motion Snapshot mode has been enhanced - now capturing 1.6 seconds of footage and playing it back over a 4 second period (rather than 2.5 seconds) - you also gain control over when the final still is taken during the movie, can select the background music after the clip's been shot and, most positively, can export the completed movie, still and music as a MOV file straight from the camera.

There's also a clever 'Slow View' mode that buffers 40 frames in a 1.33 second period when you half-press the shutter, then replays them on the screen at 1/5th speed, giving you a bit more time to grab 'the moment.'

STRIKING THE BALANCE OF PORTABILITY, PERFORMANCE AND SHOOTING PREFERENCE, THE NEW NIKON 1 V2 PROVIDES USERS WITH NEW WAYS TO BE CREATIVE AND EXPRESSIVE

Nikon Continues to Enhance the Powerful Nikon 1 System with the Addition of Photographer-Friendly Features, Connectivity and Accessories

MELVILLE, N.Y. (October 24, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the new 14.2-megapixel Nikon 1 V2, the latest addition to the revolutionary Nikon 1 Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens System. Designed for the creative consumer who seeks stunning images and HD video, the V2 incorporates a myriad of new features aimed at improving the shooting experience, including a new ergonomic grip for familiar handling, a built-in flash and the addition of a Command Mode Dial to provide easy access to features and controls. Nikon also introduced the new SB-N7, an optional compact speedlight that offers versatile lighting possibilities for Nikon 1 V1 and Nikon 1 V2 shooters.

The new Nikon 1 V2 is designed to be compact and delivers astoundingly rapid Autofocus (AF) and shooting response, incredible image quality, sharp Full HD video and advanced yet easy-to-use shooting options. The V2 offers a new 14.2-megapixel CX-format super high-speed CMOS sensor that has been engineered to allow for amazing image quality that exhibits eye-catching colors, rich hues and striking detail. The upgraded sensor combined with the blazing fast Advance Hybrid AF system allows users to shoot up to 15 frames-per-second (fps) while maintaining full AF tracking that allows the capturing of fast moving subjects. Other new and noteworthy features include versatile and fun shooting modes such as Best Moment Capture Mode and the new Live Image Control that lets a user preview their creative vision, pre-capture.

"The recent additions to the Nikon 1 System, including the new V2, demonstrate Nikon's dedication to delivering a camera system that meets the needs of creative and expressive consumers looking for an easy-to-use camera that is portable enough to take on any life adventure," said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience. "With a grip and control layout that is familiar to photographers, the V2's incredible speed, versatility, ease of use and portability can be used in various situations to shoot amazing images and sharp HD video."

Enhanced Design Lets Creative Freedom Flow

The new V2 sports an enhanced design that includes a comfortable traditional grip as well as a textured camera body and thoughtfully placed mode dials. With easy access to the new top-placed Command Dial, V2 shooters will be able to make camera adjustments quickly and easily, even when framing photos in the camera's 1.4-million-dot electronic viewfinder. The camera also includes a new Direct Setting Control that enables quick access to settings in manual exposure modes (P,S,A,M), so that settings can be changed without taking an eye off the electronic viewfinder or the high-resolution 921,000-dot 3.0-in LCD display. To get creative in challenging light, a built-in pop-up flash supplies extra lighting when capturing images in low-light situations or to provide a fill flash to eliminate shadows. The camera also features a Nikon 1 i-TTL hot shoe port, affording the use of optional lighting and camera accessories with the Nikon 1 V2.

Though compact and portable, the new Nikon 1 V2 boasts incredible performance and features that will be easily embraced by all levels of photographers. In addition to the 14.2-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor, the camera also includes the new EXPEED 3A image processing engine, both specifically designed to produce still images and HD video with stunning clarity and color. Additionally, the new EXPEED 3A has improved image-signal processing capability as well as high-speed readout.

A wide ISO range (160-6400) allows the V2 to perform brilliantly in tough lighting conditions, while the highly responsive Advanced Hybrid Autofocus (AF) system provides users with superfast shooting speeds, allowing them to capture fast action with crisp focus, whether at a football game or dance recital. The Nikon 1 V2's 73 point AF array ensures accuracy and super precise focus, even on moving subjects. The camera also provides high-speed continuous shooting with continuous Auto focusing letting users capture approximately 15 fps up to 45 frames. High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 60 fps for up to 40 frames is also possible.

Get Creative with Advanced Features

The new Nikon 1 V2 offers various shooting modes and controls that will help photographers flex their creative muscle while providing new ways to be expressive in still images and HD videos. With the new top-placed Mode Dial, V2 users will be able to access the camera's Auto Mode as well as full manual controls on the fly. The camera is also equipped with an Enhanced Motion Snapshot Mode, which users can utilize to capture fleeting moments with a short, slow-motion movie sequence in addition to a single defining still image. A Motion Snapshot can be saved as a four second MOV file and JPEG image file separately or it can also be saved as a 10 second movie file without a separate JPEG image file, making it easy to share with others. Furthermore, Motion Snapshots can be combined into a continuous slideshow seamlessly within the camera.

The Nikon 1 V2 also includes Best Moment Capture Mode, an advanced creative mode that allows individuals to use Slow View to slow down a moment they are capturing, in real time. By simply pressing the shutter button halfway down when focused, users can capture live action (approx. 1.33 seconds), while the view of the subject is displayed at five times slower than normal speed (approx. 6.66 sec). The action is replayed repeatedly as long as the shutter-release button is half-pressed. Fast action sports and events are transformed to slow motion right on the LCD screen, letting the user capture once-in-a-lifetime moments with confidence.

Additionally, original Nikon 1 features like Smart Photo Selector are still available on this new camera, and are accessible through the Best Moment Capture Mode. When using Smart Photo Selector, V2 users can capture up to 20 shots with a single press of the shutter button, and the camera will then automatically select the five best images to keep based on factors such as exposure, focus and facial recognition. The Nikon 1 V2 also includes an Advance Movie Mode that allows for the simultaneous shooting of 1080p Full HD video and high-resolution stills of the same subject or scene. Slow motion movies at both 400 fps and 1200 fps can also be captured, plus full manual exposure controls are accessible while in Advance Movie Mode.

Image effects and image-creation functions such as in-camera HDR and the innovative Live Image Control allow users even more ways to customize their photos. Live Image Control gives users the ability to see end-result images before capture by incorporating effects of various camera settings on a scene. With Live Image Control, real time adjustments to motion control, brightness control, Active D-Lighting and background focus are seen on the LCD screen or the electronic viewfinder prior to capture to help ensure the user's creative vision is fulfilled.

Expanding the Reach of the Nikon 1 V2: Accessories for the Nikon 1 System

The V2 is compatible with the optional WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter1. When connected to the WU-1b, the camera can shoot high quality images and movies and transfer them to smart devices, making it easy to stay connected and share content wirelessly to social networks. Users of the free Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility application for Android™2 platform smart devices as well as iPhone® and iPad®3 mobile digital devices will also have the ability to remotely control the camera from a smartphone or tablet.

Like the other Nikon 1 system cameras, V2 shooters will have access to a growing lineup of incredible 1 NIKKOR lenses, Nikon 1 accessories, as well as F-Mount NIKKOR lenses when connected to the FT-1 Mount Adapter. These lenses and accessories will allow individuals to build a system that truly complements their creative lifestyle.

Alongside the Nikon 1 V2, the new optional SB-N7 speedlight will inspire shooters to take their creative vision to new heights with an extremely versatile yet compact and lightweight flash unit. When connected to the Nikon 1 accessory port of the V2, the SB-N7 will provide opportunities to explore lighting options including i-TTL support. Additionally, the flash head tilts up to 120 degrees for situations that call for bouncing the flash output. The new speedlight is easy-to-use and travel friendly, and also uses common AAA batteries. The speedlight provides a guide number of 18 meters/59 feet (at ISO 100), as well as a supplied external wide flash adapter for wider shooting coverage.

Price and Availability

The Nikon 1 V2 camera with the 10-30mm lens will be available in late November 2012 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95*. The SB-N7 speedlight will be available in January 2013 and will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $159.95*. For more information on the V2 and SB-N7 or other Nikon 1 series products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

1 The Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility Application must be installed on the smart device before it can be used with the WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter connected to the Nikon 1 V2. The application can be downloaded free of charge from Google Play™. For use with an Android platform smartphone (2.3 series or later) and tablet (3.0 series or later). For the iOS mobile platform, the application can be downloaded free of charge from iTunes® online store for use with iOS version 5.1 or 5.1.1. 2 Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google, Inc. 3 iPhone, iPad and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.**Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

It's garishly ugly... but that isn't really an issue. It has a built in EVF, hot shoe, and probably wouldn't look comical with an F-mount lens attached to it--that and you could probably still wield the camera semi-effectively with most reasonably sized lenses.

I have a GX1 with the LVF2, despite having invested in Nikon DSLRs.

Why?

Bigger sensor and more lenses. You can't convince me that the tiny little sensor of the entire V line is worth investing in. Or that there are no lenses for it, despite it being now a full year since the system was introduced.

Is anyone that brand conscious that they wouldn't buy a mirrorless camera just because of brand name? Because obviously Sony and Panasonic/Olympus have better offerings in the segment.

Not better in focusing though! I don't think it is a stretch to say that in decent light, the V1 and V2 can focus faster and more accurately than 95% of DSLRs in the world, but you have to experience it to believe it. As for image quality, I think this article proves the V1 is very capable.http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2012/12/05/the-nikon-18-5-f1-8-cx-lens-review-for-the-1-series-by-craig-litten/

When Sony brought the first NEX, the comments I read here where the same for the NEX. Well there is nothing ugly or nice in this world. All is just what you do out of it. This camera looks huge to me and since ever, despite being a NEX shooter, the V1 has impressed me with it's picture quality. The only treat is dynamic range and the highlight burning. In many situations an ND and Polarizer filter will help. Let's hope Nikon made that better. The RX1 encounters that problem too, same as NEX in certain counter light conditions. Maybe my view of photography is rotten by the Fuji S5 counter light capacity. My NEX 7 handles shots into the sun quiet well and in many cases it made better than the S5.

A prove that there is a good progress in sensor managing. Th V1 makes excellent pictures and the 1" sensor is to my view as good as the 4/3, despite the smaller size. Again, for me that camera shown here looks great, an integration of the OVF in Sony NEX style had made of it a copy of the NEX and when I saw this body first time, I asked myself if Sony had not bought a part of Nikon shares as well :-) This camera has one major advantage, that is fast AF and silent operation mode with electronic shutter, one thing I would like to find in all NEX bodies as well. Now you can shoot good quality at the Opera or classical concert, and in the crowd on street, silent and incognito. The only treat for me is the excessive pricing, at 650 the kit I would say yes, a NEX5 cost also around that price.

Small costs. Always has always will. Except for the technological anomaly that is pro SLR in the new millennium, where bigger is more expensive? SLRs will come down to the size they were in film days but not until they have milked it for what it is worth.

I was trying to think what was that camera reminding me of, and finally I realized: Nanarchy!

Take a pit bull terrier, a real ugly son-of-a-b!tch. It loses it's leg, somehow, and the pit bull says to you "hey man, I've only got three legs, will lady pit bulls still like me?? I mean, you've got to stop from laughing, haven't you? He's ugly with *four* legs! He's ugly with three! Hell, he'd be ugly if you put him in a suit and gave him a carnation!

yeah nikon your too much trying hard, this product does not even give a dam compared to sony nex system, your design team su.cks and your camera looks bulky and fre-ak'n bulky old fashion, look at sony, samsung, ... the looks upgrade together with the specs, your just a good lens maker, not a good body and system maker... and that su.cks...

The V2 pretty much made a CX / interchangeable lens remake of causal users megazoom DC. And with the 10-100, pretty much do the job too. Still, as more serious enthusiast goes, this does not do much to get there. And the RX100 probably an overall better go along pocketable everyday DC for the dedicated photographers.

I wouldn't get it, but I think that the look is at least better than that of the V1. Importantly, it has a hand grip. The only problem is that that adds to bulk. This isn't going to be a pocket camera.

Unless you need the features like the super-high frame rate (for a short burst), I think that the Sony RX100 would be better. I wouldn't buy interchangeable lenses for any camera with a sensor smaller than M4/3. To me, it wouldn't be worth it.

But anyway, I do have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with the look of this one compared to the last one.

The grip, and the hump seems to be the major grip with the V2 right now. One thing I worry is that the grip seems to be too close to the lens and anyone with less than S / XS sized hand might find pinching there with their fingers.

As usual, the gearheads here have no clue about what the market actually wants in a camera, or what actually sells.

"sales of the newly released the Nikon 1 series and Nikon 1 interchangeable lenses have been robust. Despite a reduction in the market for compact digital cameras, we have been channeling energy into expanding sales in this area, and as a result, achieved record sales for the quarterly period."

Just about any Micro 4/3 camera will do what the V2 does and go for a whole lot less dough in the process. Added advantage is the larger sensor size of M4/3rds versus this 1-incher imager 1-series with the whopping 2.7x crop factor, ouch. Who knows, maybe Nikon is taking lessons from Canon now: charge more just for the brand name?

Not one single m43 camera shoots 15 fps or has PDAF, but nice try. It was funny to read all the criticism when the Nikon 1 series was released, but nearly everyone was surprised when DPR's tests showed the V1/J1 was extremely competitive with m43 cameras. What's also funny is that for some odd reason the RX100 is a giant killer, yet people make fun of the Nikon 1, yet they have the same 1" sensor, and the Nikon 1 can actually do solid AF tracking and has a huge buffer. Go figure.

Much more coverage of the new V2 (more and better photos), including pictures of the V2 with FT1 adapter mounted, and some DX and FX lenses too. I still don't like the design, and Nikon's choice to use a smaller battery (10.6Wh vs 14Wh), but I want to see what this new camera has to offer in IQ and performance.

This is just the press release, so Nikon should have released images of it being held. Other manufacturers get the same kind of coverage. If the body's aesthetics don't appeal to people then that's Nikon's problem, not DPR's.

I'm sure DPR will have some decent coverage of the 1V2 once they have one in their hands. Maybe some photos of it being held too.

Don't know why everyone is carrying on about the V2. It actually looks like a decent shooter with an ergonomic body. And it has super fast processing, a large buffer, great build quality, etc. It's not as pretty as a Fuji XE1 or X100, but few cameras are. Certainly a Pany G5 or GF5 aren't going to win any design awards either. To me the V2 looks all business. Besides I rarely take photos OF my camera but WITH them.

Fotokeena, form follows functionality.Only things to look at in camera for photography (instead of some darn fashion decoration) is how ergonomical grip you can get from it, and if controls are positioned properly.Modern higher end DLRs all have similar grip and control layout of front and rear dial precisely because that's most ergonomical for human hand.Unlike those gripless piece of two by four retro designs made to comply with limitations of analog mechanical tech.

Well I can not remember such a debacle from any other major company as the one system. IMHO the V1 is a confusing camera with a few major design flaws. When my wife bought hers last January I was shaking my head. Once we got it home I found the mode dial, entire menu system, lack of built in flash etc. to be real deal breakers. When Nikon cut the price in half I could not rember a single time where a current manufacture cut the legs out from under their customers as Nikon did with the V1. Even if we wanted to sell the V1 and move to a V2, we can not. They made the V1 totally worthless.

BTW, this is a tiny camera. If you knew how tiny the 10-30mm lens is, then the photos would make sence to many.

This was the one and only bad Nikon purchase we ever made. But the one system leaves a bad taste in my mouth. The V2 is what the V1 should have been.

Hmmmm ... this is a quite common view. The manufacturer decreases the price and comes out with a better camera. Then some buyers starts hulking and is talking about being swindled. But - what do you think they should have done? Kept the high price and not made a better camera? Whats the brilliant plan about that?

I am in the camp of "dont care about beautiful or ugly as long as it takes pictures".

Now after thinking about it, I think that Nikon missed out on one opportunity.The big viewfinder hump (which seems to be what people dislike so much) is big enough that it could have been tiltable ! And since it would be integrated into the body it would be much more rugged than the add-on VFs some other mirrorless offers as options.Now THAT would have been a distinct advantage no other current camera has.

The hotshoe is proprietary anyway, so I am sure the Nikon engineers could have found a way to attach a flash somehow. Kinda like the SB-N5 that sits more to the side on the V1.And the builtin flash, yeah it probably could not be a pop-up type.I think (opinionated) that a tiltable EVF would be a must-have for some, more than a pop-up flash would be.

My old Minolta A2 from 2004 managed to pack in a tiltable viewfinder, tiltable view screen, auto screen/view switching, popup flash, and a standard hotshoe. Plus it had a PC synch socket. Still waiting for a modern small camera to match those features. The V2 manages only the popup flash.

Roland, that utilitarian size LCD was the reason why A2 had such good menu free controls in smaller size than lot worser controls entry level DSLRs.Today's cameras look like their main use is watching movies instead of taking photos.

Nice job, Nikon. I like that more built-in EVF mirrorless models are slowly coming out, but it is a shame that the first models of compact system cams of the past years, from across the range of makes, almost invariably seemed to lack an EVF. I bet that those other stunted mirrorless models eventually did not sell as well as their manufacturers had hoped, and so the leadership of each company finally decided to get their heads out of their orfices (albeit slowly) and start to listen to their customer base.

Also, A quick glance at the comments below shows me that many seem to be concerned with the camera's aesthetics. Honestly guys, who gives a rat's behind about how the body looks? Sheesh, as long as it WORKS right, then I am a happy camper. I care infinitely more about function than I do about form, and it looks to me, to a degree, like Nikon does too in this case, which I commend them for. Bravo. I hope that Olympus, Canon and the others can get the hint as well. No EVF, no deal.

This CSC is a little confusing. I'd go for the Canon SX50HS as it's has a similar size sensor and I don't have to worry about changing a lens, as it gives a 24mm wide to 1200mm at the top end and has an EVF. As for needing an EVF young consumers don't use them and other brands understand this. It's called moving forward, not staying stuck in the past.

"Young consumers don't use EVFs?" That's a new one. An EVF or OVF are not only better for composing in all kinds of light, putting the camera up to your eye provides an all important point of contact. I'm fairly young, and I almost never shoot with arms stretched out with the camera shaking like a leaf.

IQ from the SX50HS won't come close to the V1 or 2. It's a small sensor bridge camera with an extremely dark f6.5 lens at the tele end.

It would be great if it had IR-trigger receptor at frond AND rear side of the body. I like this feature at D7000 very much. I use rear one 98% of the time when camera on tripod, in conjunction with MLU function.

The new winner of UGLIEST CAMERA COMPETITION!With this flash on top, and square grip I think it even breaks the record established by Pentax K-01 and Hasselblad Lunar.Ridiculous. They got any designers out there?!

The ugly looks – as if they went extra out of their way to save on any design effort – is actually not what condemns V2, it is the overall package. If it is to be a second system, for less hassle than a DSLR, then it better be similarly if not equally capable and less expensive. This is neither, a niche product at best. The controversy that arose immediately upon its introduction is a testimony to yet another of a number of disappointments coming from Nikon in the last two or three years. And these flies in the ointment keep piling up. When you are a giant and disappoint or, say, do not quite satisfy the market one time, they expect more the next time to make up for the wait and anguish. After a while, good or even excellent will not cut it any more: what everyone expects now is nothing short of spectacular! Is this spectacular by today's standards? You did it to yourself, Nikon…

I honestly like the design! The black one especially - I think the seeming imperfections on it give it character - the Pentax K-01 is just plain boring (and ugly in its plainness). Best of all, it addresses nearly everything I had against the Nikon 1 series (lack of direct user control). But it still has one major flaw - the price. At $900, I could get a Sony A57 kit + prime or a refurbished OMD kit. Just like my comment before on the V1 when it was launched, the V2 only makes sense at $499.

I agree, although I think what others refer to as imperfections are merely instances where form follows function. For me, the plainer the camera, the better. I want a camera to work well, not look good; like a Jeep. It's when cameras (or cars) sport features solely for aesthetic purposes that I become bothered. I guess that puts me in the minority -- a more logical minority. To be blunt, those craving cute designs can go play with their Mac products. The price is indeed high, but I imagine it'll soon sell for $750-800.

Ugly or not, it's pretty subjective. I believe, many of the Nikon 1 existing and/or potential users, are having a bunch of Nikkors. While the D700 is way too heavy, I'm looking for a smaller form factor body for travel. Let see how good the IQ and high ISO control would perform.

A lot of us have been wondering what the roadmap looks like with the 1 system. Now that it's clearer, I can't imagine anything remotely as hideous as the V2. I've been a big Nikon fan, but I have no regrets looking at that road in my rear view mirror.

There seems to be an error in your specification for this V2. According to what I found on numerous other websites including Nikon (not the US one, which is not clear on whether their weight includes battery), the V2's weight with battery should be 337.

Trying to make it look like a vintage "F"Nikon is a mistake because those early Nikons are well know for being big, solid and heavy, and this 1-series cameras are small cameras. It does not work. The extra large viewfinder/flash block on top of a small camera just makes it look odd, and also awkward/inconvenient when put into a bag or jacket pocket. The Olympus PEN or the OMD look better, at least to those who remember their earlier cameras, because their sizes and silver/metal looks resemble the older cameras much btter.

This stunt only takes away any size and weight advantage that the V2 should have when compared to the APS-C NEX-6 or M43 E-PL5. Have a look at their sizes, side by side here:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/post/50128787

I don't think Nikon can compete in miniaturising cameras with Sony or Olympus.

Obviously there was no room to put the EVF housing on the back upper left like the NEX-7. I've used almost all the mirrorless m43 and APS-C cameras, and they are not pocketable anyway but require a small bag. But looks aside, I suspect the V2 is going for feel great in hand as the deep grip and control dials look solid, and just in the right place.

see photo from top: http://3.static.img-dpreview.com/files/news/0875642549/V2_td.jpg?v=1773

"look odd, and also awkward/inconvenient when put into a bag" None of those camera with standard kits lens fits nicely in a suit jacket! And how use the any of the cameras is subjective to what your doing! Ultra wide zoom lens for building photos=m 4/3rds, Telephoto compact lens system for moving subjects= Nikon V*maybe, etc